My construction career started when my dad offered me a job in his company, a sheet metal contracting company in Hamilton, Ontario. I had just completed my MBA and he said “if you want to learn about business, this is as good a place as any to do it”. Boy, was he right!
And so the adventure began.
A six-month contract turned into nearly thirteen years. I learned almost! everything I needed to know about business and leadership and entrepreneurship during that time, from my dad and from the people I worked closely with every day.
Starting my own management consulting firm years later taught me almost! all the rest. It has also taught me about resilience and perseverance and what “hustle” really means!
All along the way, there has been good work, good learning and good fun. With much more to come on the road ahead!
The fancy stuff
Over the years I have been on the Board of Directors for numerous organizations, including the Hamilton-Halton Construction Association.
I’ve presented, taught and written on various topics including leadership, communication, change management and family business dynamics.
My formal education includes a Masters of Science in Elementary Education, an International MBA, and a FAMILY ENTERPRISE ADVISOR™ certification from the Institute of Family Enterprise Advisors.
The stuff that really matters to me
“Straight talk” and real conversations
Continually learning and becoming the best version of myself I can be
Compassion for others, even during difficult situations
Supporting next gen leadership development in business, particularly for young women
Making the world more equitable, and better, for everyone
I have worked with Laurel over the past year as she directly consulted and coached me, supporting my work within our family business. Laurel's ability to pinpoint underlying issues, bring clarity to the situation, plan and execute an action plan for continuous improvement and results is unparalleled. With Laurel's coaching, I was able to design and implement process-driven improvements across the company, including identifying key accountabilities, implementing company policies and procedures, and facilitating regular training sessions to our leaders in the field.
Laurel's authentic approach to coaching has not only supported my professional development, but my personal development as well. She has taught me how to effectively have challenging conversations, to inspire others to action, and how to stay true to myself within a family business.
- Carly Wismer, Learning & Continuous Improvement Specialist, L.J. Barton Mechanical
Laurel and I worked together for many years. Much of her focus was on the development and implementation of management systems and business processes; processes that would not only result in cost-efficiencies but that would also prove flexible and robust enough for change and growth. Laurel championed the development of a process-driven culture across the company. She ensured that our business processes remained connected to our strategic direction and operationally aligned with our people and day to day activities. The construction industry can be a challenging environment but Laurel was always able to move us forward. Laurel puts people ahead of all priorities and supports their successes. I am thankful for the leadership she provided at Lancaster.
- Bruce Massey, Construction Manager G.S.C., Lancaster Sheet Metal Ltd.
